Sint Eustatius

Sint Eustatius is a quiet Caribbean island known for volcano hikes and coral reefs. With no traffic lights and few crowds, it offers a calm escape for nature lovers, divers, and curious travelers looking for something different.

Population3,200
LanguagesDutch, English
Local time9:14 AM
Flagbq flag
CurrenciesUSD
Area21 km²
Sint Eustatius
26°C
clear sky
Feels like: 26°C

Best time to travel

Sint Eustatius stays warm all year, but December to May is the best time: sunny days, low humidity, 26-30 °C, ideal for hiking The Quill or diving the reefs. June to November brings afternoon showers, greener trails, lower prices and fewer crowds with clear mornings most days.

December to May is the best time to visit Sint Eustatius.

Where to stay

Sint Eustatius has one main place to stay. Its capital, Oranjestad, is the center of island life and the only town, divided into Upper Town and Lower Town.

Oranjestad

Lower Town offers waterfront bars, dive centers, and beach access, while Upper Town has historic charm, local shops, and rooftop views. You’ll find mid-range hotels, cozy guesthouses, and apartments near the harbor in both areas.

Best for: divers, history lovers, couples
Why stay here: walk to Fort Oranje, dive sites, cafes and sunset drinks in minutes

Oranjestad, Sint Eustatius

Lower Town. Photo: Walter Hellebrand. CC.

Is Sint Eustatius safe?

Sint Eustatius is one of the safest Caribbean islands for travelers in 2025. Violent crime is nearly nonexistent, and petty theft is rare in tourist areas like Oranjestad. Locals are welcoming, and the island has strong community oversight. The U.S. State Department rates it Level 1: exercise normal precautions, the lowest travel advisory. As always, keep valuables secure in public areas and avoid isolated spots at night.

Sint Eustatius is rated Level 1 by the U.S. State Department, meaning travelers should simply exercise normal precautions.

Top things to do in Sint Eustatius

Sint Eustatius mixes volcano hikes, top diving and colonial history. These are the three must-do activities for 2026.

Hike The Quill

The Quill is Sint Eustatius’ dormant volcano and the island’s signature hike. Trails lead to the rim or into the crater through dense rainforest with bird calls and sweeping views. Most hikers finish the round trip in 2 to 4 hours.

The Quill, Sint Eustatius

The Quill. Photo: GIS Statia. CC.

Dive the marine park

Sint Eustatius National Marine Park protects over 30 dive sites with shipwrecks, healthy coral reefs and frequent turtle sightings. Shore dives start from the beach while boat trips reach deeper pinnacles. Dive schools in Oranjestad offer gear and courses for all levels.

National Marine Park, Sint Eustatius

Marine Park. Photo: Brocken Inaglory. CC.

Visit Fort Oranje

Fort Oranje is a 17th century cliff top fortress overlooking Oranjestad and the Caribbean Sea. Cannons, stone walls and quiet paths make it a peaceful history stop. Sunset views from the ramparts complete the experience.

Fort Oranje, Sint Eustatius

Fort Oranje. Photo: SV Zanshin. CC.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Sint Eustatius is relaxed and lowkey, with no club scene or busy bar streets. Instead, you'll find a handful of local spots where evenings are spent with cold drinks, music, and ocean views. These three areas offer the island’s best atmosphere after dark.

  • Lower Town, Oranjestad - The closest thing to a nightlife zone, with waterfront bars, hotel lounges and casual spots for sunset drinks. The Old Gin House is the go-to for cocktails and occasional live music.
  • Upper Town, Oranjestad - More residential, but still home to a few small rum shops and bars where locals gather in the evenings. Good for a quiet drink and conversation.
  • Golden Rock area, Oranjestad - Known more for local hangouts like Cool Corner, this inland area offers casual spots with beer, karaoke and a friendly crowd.

Where is Sint Eustatius?

Sint Eustatius is a small volcanic island in the northeastern Caribbean, part of the Dutch Caribbean near St. Kitts and Saba. It lies 17 km southeast of Saba and 60 km west of St. Kitts. The island covers 21 km² with the capital Oranjestad on the west coast. Flights land at F.D. Roosevelt Airport, a 10-minute drive from town.

Fun facts

  • Local honey is produced from bees in the island’s national park.

  • Fort Oranje was never conquered, despite years of colonial conflict.

  • There are no traffic lights, and Oranjestad is the only town, split into Upper and Lower sections.

  • Once the busiest port in the Caribbean, Sint Eustatius was nicknamed the “Golden Rock” in the 18th century.

FAQ Sint Eustatius

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